Not everyone struggling with substance use disorder or mental health challenges requires full-time inpatient care. A Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) offers a structured and intensive treatment plan while allowing individuals to return home at the end of the day.
PHP serves as a bridge between residential treatment and outpatient care, providing individuals with medical supervision, therapy, and skill-building exercises in a controlled environment. Whether you’re seeking addiction recovery or mental health support, PHP may be the right option for you.
What Is a Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)?
A Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) is a highly structured outpatient treatment program designed for individuals who need more support than traditional outpatient therapy but do not require 24/7 inpatient care.
PHP typically includes:
- 4 to 8 hours of therapy per day, 5 days a week
- A mix of individual therapy, group therapy, and medical supervision
- Evidence-based treatments such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)
- A focus on developing coping skills, relapse prevention strategies, and emotional regulation
PHPs can be used for both mental health and addiction recovery, with customized programs designed to meet each individual’s needs.
What Is Partial Hospitalization Like?
When you commit to a partial hospitalization program, your time spent in treatment will involve unique attributes depending on your needs. During intake, you will undergo a thorough assessment to determine your needs as a patient. Then, a schedule and structured plan will be created to make sure those needs are met. A typical day in a PHP treatment facility can involve:
- Individual and group therapy sessions
- Recreational activities
- Family therapy sessions
- Scheduled times for meals
- Skill or occupational training programs
- Daily screening for substances
- Medication-assisted treatment
When you commit to PHPs, you will be expected to closely adhere to the treatment schedule created for you during intake. Further, throughout treatment, you may be offered multiple types of therapy depending on what the facility offers and what types of treatment you need.
PHP for Mental Health vs. Substance Use: What’s the Difference?
Not all PHPs are the same—some are mental health-focused, while others specialize in substance use disorder (SUD) treatment. Understanding the difference can help you determine which program best suits your needs.
Mental Health PHPs
A mental health-focused PHP is designed for individuals dealing with conditions such as:
- Depression & mood disorders
- Anxiety disorders
- Bipolar disorder
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Eating disorders
These programs offer medication management, intensive therapy, and coping strategies to stabilize symptoms and improve overall well-being.
Substance Abuse PHPs
A substance use disorder PHP is focused on addiction recovery and relapse prevention. It typically includes:
- Medical supervision for withdrawal symptoms
- Therapies such as Motivational Interviewing (MI) & 12-step facilitation
- Dual diagnosis treatment for co-occurring disorders
- Relapse prevention training
This type of PHP is beneficial for individuals who have completed inpatient rehab and need ongoing support, or for those who require intensive treatment but cannot commit to residential care.
PHP vs. IOP vs. Inpatient Rehab: Which One Is Right for You?
Choosing the right level of care is crucial for your recovery journey. Below is a breakdown of Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP), Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP), and Inpatient Rehab to help guide your decision.
| Treatment Type | Time Commitment | Residential? | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| PHP (Partial Hospitalization Program) | 4-8 hours/day, 5 days/week | No | Moderate-to-severe addiction or mental health issues requiring structure but not 24/7 supervision |
| IOP (Intensive Outpatient Program) | 3-4 hours/day, 3-5 days/week | No | Mild-to-moderate mental health or addiction recovery needs with strong external support |
| Inpatient Rehab (Residential Treatment) | 24/7 live-in care for 30+ days | Yes | Severe addiction, crisis stabilization, or high relapse risk |
💡 How to Choose the Right Program:
- If you need medical supervision & daily therapy but want to live at home → PHP
- If you need therapy but have strong support & can manage independently → IOP
- If you need full-time care & removal from triggers → Inpatient Rehab
PHP serves as a middle ground between inpatient rehab and outpatient therapy, ensuring individuals receive intensive support while maintaining some independence.
What Are the Benefits of a PHP?
A Partial Hospitalization Program offers a range of benefits that make it a valuable option for individuals in recovery or those managing mental health disorders.
- Comprehensive Support – Provides individual, group, and family therapy, plus medical and psychiatric care.
- Flexibility – Allows individuals to live at home while receiving intensive treatment.
- Cost-Effective – PHPs cost significantly less than inpatient rehab while still offering structured care.
- Relapse Prevention – Helps individuals transition from inpatient rehab to independent living while maintaining accountability.
- Personalized Treatment Plans – Tailored to each individual’s needs, ensuring they receive specialized care.
When Is Partial Hospitalization an Appropriate Option for Substance Abuse?
Choosing the appropriate level of care for substance abuse treatment is critical, but it can be difficult to gauge which program is best for you. PHP programs are an effective option for a lot of individuals, but not everyone. This type of rehabilitation treatment may work for you if:
- You are medically stable
- You have a good level of support from sober peers or family members at home
- You feel self-motivated to take part in the treatment
- You are not at risk of overdose or self-harm
- You can commit to spending part of your time away from home or work
PHP can be a good option for individuals who need the structure of an inpatient program but have outside commitments that require them to spend part of their time at home. For example, an individual with children may benefit from this type of treatment program because he or she can go home at night. Likewise, PHP can be effective as an aftercare program after leaving a residential treatment center.
What Conditions Are Treated in a PHP?
PHPs can be used to treat a variety of mental health and substance use disorders, including:
Mental Health Conditions
- Depression
- Bipolar Disorder
- Anxiety & Panic Disorders
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
- Eating Disorders
Substance Use Disorders
- Alcohol Addiction
- Opioid Dependence
- Cocaine & Methamphetamine Addiction
- Dual Diagnosis (Mental Health & Addiction)
Many PHPs provide dual-diagnosis treatment, meaning they can address both addiction and co-occurring mental health disorders.
What to Consider When Choosing a PHP Program
While partial hospitalization programs have many similarities, there can be differences to consider with each place. A few factors to consider before choosing treatment at a specific facility include:
- Cost: Costs for PHP programs vary depending on the setting, services offered, on-site amenities and more.
- Location: PHP facilities close to home can make committing to a program more feasible, since daily travel will be necessary.
- Length of program: PHP program duration can range from just 30 days to several months.
- Types of treatment offered: Medication management, on-site nurse care, individual and group therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy and dual diagnosis may be something you need.
- Daily commitment requirements: PHP facilities often require treatment most days of the week for several hours a day, but schedules vary.
- Typical daily schedule: Therapy, meals, recreational activities, group meetings and other items may be included in a daily schedule in PHP.
- On-site amenities: PHP facilities may offer benefits such as yoga studios, workout rooms, spa facilities, different dining options and more.
How Much Does a Partial Hospitalization Program Cost?
The cost of a PHP can vary based on location, facility, and services offered.
Average Cost of PHP:
- $350 – $600 per day
- $2,000 – $10,000 per month
Does Insurance Cover PHP?
Yes! Many PHPs are covered by health insurance, Medicare, and Medicaid. However, coverage depends on:
- Your specific insurance plan
- Whether the PHP is in-network
- A preauthorization process (most insurers require a medical necessity letter from your doctor)
To find out if your insurance covers PHP, contact your provider or speak with the admissions team at your chosen treatment center.
How Do You Get Admitted Into a PHP?
Most PHPs require a referral from a healthcare provider or self-admission after an assessment.
PHP Admission Process:
- Initial Evaluation – A medical professional assesses your condition.
- Insurance Verification – Determines if the program is covered by your plan.
- Treatment Plan Development – A personalized program is created.
- Program Enrollment – You begin PHP on a set schedule.
PHP is a voluntary treatment option, but consistent attendance and participation are required for success.
Is a PHP Right for You?
If you’re struggling with addiction or a mental health condition and need structured treatment without full hospitalization, a Partial Hospitalization Program could be the perfect next step in your recovery.
At Vanguard Behavioral Health, we offer comprehensive PHP programs tailored to your individual needs. Whether you’re transitioning from inpatient care or seeking a structured program, our team is here to help.
Contact us today to learn more about our PHP services and find out how we can support your recovery journey.
Discover the Best Addiction Treatment Option for You at Vanguard
Partial hospitalization programs can be highly effective for addiction treatment. For clients with certain needs or circumstances, PHP offers a route to recovery that allows flexibility to maintain home commitments.
If you’re struggling with addiction or have a loved one that needs help, you’re not alone. At Vanguard Behavioral Health, we offer several types of addiction treatment, including partial hospitalization in both Tucson, AZ, and Albuquerque, NM. Reach out to our compassionate team for help finding the right treatment option for your situation.
